FAQ

 

Some Frequently Asked Questions about Naturism

Why be nude?

Most naturists would answer, "Why not be nude?" Being nude feels good and it makes people feel free.  It takes away artificial inhibitions that were forced upon us after we were born. Naturists believe in body acceptance and most report feeling far less self-conscious about their bodies after becoming involved in social nudity.


Isn't Nudity Offensive?

Naturists are obviously not offended by nudity. What about others? There is no question that some people find nudity offensive. However, why they should be offended is debatable.  In a free society people should be free to do what they want as long as they are not causing others harm.  The intent of naturists nonetheless is not to offend. Naturists seek areas to enjoy nudity without bothering anyone who might be offended.


Isn't Nudity Sexual?

Most of the people who visit a naturist gathering for the first time are surprised to find that it is not at all a sexually charged atmosphere.  Some expect that since in our society nudity is highly sexualized in movies, magazines and videos.  However, the link between nudity and sexuality is arbitrary.  Suggestively clothed people are often more sexually arousing than completely nude people. Naturists aren't against sexuality. They just believe, like most of society, that sex is intended to be enjoyed in privacy.


Aren't all naturists/nudists exhibitionists?

Exhibitionists expose themselves primarily to shock others. Exhibitionism does not occur in naturism. Exhibitionists find no thrill in naturist environments because of the lack of overt sexuality and their inability to shock anyone. Naturists just enjoy being nude and like to be with others because humans are social creatures.


Is being nude legal?

In most western jurisdictions it is legal to be nude on private property so long as you can't be seen by others outside the property.  Consequently, all naturist resorts are legal.  The law can be a little fuzzier when it comes to nudity at beaches and public recreation areas.


If I choose to attend an NTN gathering, will I have to undress right away?


No. Naturists understand that you cannot shed years of socialization as soon as you arrive. Like most clubs, we allow visitors to remain dressed at first. You won't be pressured to undress right away.


How should I act around others during my first visit to a naturist event?


It is often difficult for new people to know where to look. To a naturist, there is no difference between being dressed or nude. Just try to act as you normally would in any other social situation.  It is okay to look. Out of curiosity you may initially find yourself looking at the genitals and breasts of others. Just don't stare. Soon, as your curiosity about those areas subsides, you will find yourself concentrating on the face and eyes.


Do males get visibily excited?


Not often.  Naturist gatherings are far less sexually charged than places where bikinis, thongs, or other provacative clothing are worn.  On the rare occasion where this occurs, proper naturist etiquette simply requires that the male cover himself with a towel, turn over or take a quick dip in a pool.


What if I receive unwelcome advances?

This rarely happens. If it does, simply report it to a club officer or resort management and steps will be taken to ensure it does not happen again. Everyone should feel comfortable. Any behavior requiring an apology is not tolerated. 


NTN Membership Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attend NTN events without being a member?

 

Yes! All prospective members are required to attend one NTN event while nude before being allowed to apply for membership.  In addition NTN members may also sponsor guests at our club events.  After you have attended the first NTN event you must apply for membership to continue participating with us.

 

What are the requirements for membership?

 

In summary there are three steps to obtaining membership in NTN;

 

1.  Attend one NTN event while nude.

2.  Submit a completed NTN membership application.

3.  Purchase through NTN an American Association for Nude Recreation Basic Membership or submit proof of membership in either AANR or The Naturist Society.  Membership in one of these organizations is a requirement for NTN membership.  You are free to choose which organization you wish to join.

 

Please see the membership page for more information.

 

How long does the membership application process take?

 

Membership applications are processed by the club within three (3) days of receipt.  Prospective members are submitted to the general membership for a vote by email and members are given five (5) days from the date of the email to cast a vote.  So it should take no more than ten (10) days before you are notified whether or not you have been accepted.

 

I am really concerned about my personal privacy and don’t like to disclose personal information.  Can I join NTN using an alias to shield my privacy?

 

By signing the application you are affirming that all the information provided is true and correct a requirement for NTN membership.  If you provide false or misleading information with the intent to deceive, even for what you might believe legitimate reason, if we detect that you have provided false or misleading information, your application will be denied.  If you have already been admitted as a member when it is detected, your membership will immediately be terminated.  In either instance you will be permanently barred from further NTN membership consideration.  Expect that the information you supply will be checked for accuracy and that we may either contact you for an explanation of any discrepancies or may simply deny your application, at our option.  For your protection as well as that of all of our members, we have a responsibility to know who we allow to hold membership in our club.

 

  

The membership application requires a driver’s license number.  I don’t have a driver’s license so will that prevent me from being accepted as a member?  

 

We require driver’s license information for two primary reasons. (1) To verify applicant’s identity and age.  (2)  All of the non-landed clubs we visit on group outings require photo identification for admittance.  If you do not have a driver’s license you may provide information from another government issued official photo identification card such as a state identification card or passport in lieu of the requested driver’s license information.  Please note on your application if the information provided under the driver’s license section is information from an alternate form of identification.  Non-photo bearing identification such as social security cards cannot be accepted for this purpose nor any non-government issued forms of identification.

 

Are there any reasons my membership application could be denied?

 

Yes.  North Texas Naturists will not accept for membership persons who have been convicted of or have a lengthy history of arrest for serious criminal offenses whether or not convicted, including but not limited to violent assault, robbery, theft, sexual assault or any offense involving the victimization of children.  This policy exists for the obvious reason that we have some responsibility for the safety and security of our members while they are participating in our events and activities.  In addition, membership requires a vote of approval from our existing members.  Candidates for membership need only a simple majority (one more than half of the votes cast) to be approved for membership.  So there is no need to be concerned that you would not be voted into membership as long as you meet all requirements.

 

Why do you require prospective members to join one of the national nudist organizations?  The dues are a substantial expense. 

 

There are several reasons for this requirement.  First, we are affiliated as a club with both the American Association for Nude Recreation and The Naturist Society.  Both organizations require that our members hold membership in one of those organizations for our club to be recognized as a participating associate organization.  Another reason is we simply believe in supporting those organizations because they are our first line defense against those who oppose social nudity and are worthy of our financial support.  Finally, while the cost of membership in one of the national organizations might be a lot to some and a little to others, we believe that those with questionable motives for becoming involved in a club like ours would generally be unwilling to pay the cost of membership in TNS or AANR so it helps us to weed out those who do not embrace our values and principles in the interest of safeguarding our members.  If you participate regularly with NTN, over the course of a year you will likely re-coup your investment by way of the discounted grounds fees that AANR/TNS affiliated clubs and resorts provide to members.  

 

The membership application contains instructions to submit it as an electronic attachment but I don’t have access to a scanner.  How can I submit my completed application?

 

Our membership application process includes collection of your signature which is the reason why we require it to be submitted in the manner we request.  Your signature is necessary so that we can be confident that you have submitted complete and accurate information and are at least eighteen years of age.  By signing the application you also affirm that you are familiar with our club policies and rules of etiquette which are provided on our web site.  Since we rely on electronic media to administer the club, the use of a scanner to copy your application and to transfer it to us as an electronic file is our preferred method of submission.  If you do not have a scanner at home, you can take the document to any neighborhood full service copy store and they can scan the document, creating an electronic file which can be saved to a computer disk at a nominal cost.  You can then upload the application file on your own computer from the disk.

 

How will I know that my application has been received and processed?   

 

You will be notified by email when we have received your application.  After the application has been checked for accuracy, prospective members are then submitted to the general membership who will vote on admitting them to NTN.  Only your first name and first letter of your last name, your age and the fact of whether you are seeking membership as a single or couple will be provided to the other members for the vote.  Your actual application will not be circulated to protect your privacy.  Once your application has been voted on, you will receive a second email advising you whether you have been accepted as a member.